Posted on 07/23/2007 9:22:57 PM PDT by Doofer
Edited on 07/23/2007 9:51:00 PM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
Washington - He's hiring staff, raising money, making public appearances, and doing nicely in the polls all without announcing even an exploratory committee for his presidential campaign.
In fact, Fred Thompson might consider never formally entering the 2008 presidential sweepstakes, he's doing so well or at least wait "until after he's wrapped up the [Republican] nomination," quips pundit Stu Rothenberg.
But in the end, the former senator from Tennessee, lawyer/lobbyist, and TV actor does, by many press accounts, plan to announce in early September that he is running for president; he may formalize an "exploratory" phase before then. One point is already clear: GOP nomination race 2.0 has begun.
"It's down to three [candidates]. Some would say 2-1/2. I would say three," says Larry Sabato, a political scientist at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
The half-candidate would be former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who still leads in national polls, but whose numbers have been falling steadily for several months in direct proportion to the steady, upward trajectory of Mr. Thompson's, according to Pollster.com.
The campaign of Sen. John McCain (R) of Arizona, once seen as the GOP heir apparent, is nearly bankrupt, and with Thompson entering the race, that makes his money chase all the more difficult. Mr. Giuliani could remain strong if there's continued national focus on terrorism and especially if the US is attacked again before the primaries. But failing that, the race may well boil down to Thompson and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, analysts say.
Despite Giuliani's longstanding position at the top of the GOP heap in national 2008 presidential polls, political experts have attributed that lead to name recognition. As conservative base voters have learned about Giuliani's liberal positions on abortion and gay rights, the former mayor's overall support has declined.........."
Gee. I wonder why? Perhaps he lip-locked the new third rail?
There are still several months to go before Iowa, plenty of time for some of the “riff-raff” to rise or fall...
Other than that, I agree pretty much with these sentiments. As far as frontrunners, it’s Fred vs. Mitt at this point.
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The thing of it is, Rudy may be falling slowly, but he hasn’t been knocked out as of yet, the nomination race happens over such a long period of time, candidates will rise and fall over the year preceeding the Iowa poll.
Right now, Rudy’s politcal “chin” is being tested.
I do think that the nomination is Fred’s to lose. The longer he waits, the more sense of “Perot” I get from him.
He looks like a Viagra commercial spokesman.
Yep. Rudy McRomneyson versus Hunter. It’s down to two.
“For starters, take a gander at First Lady Thompson...this is going to go over well”
So what’s the problem? Americans aren’t ready for an attractive, relatively young first lady?
Exactly what many FReepers predicted would happen starting last August. Conservatives aren't about to let Rooty Toot win the nomination and destroy the GOP.
I see Fred’s still playing pussyfoot with a gullible conservative base. How very Hollywood.
So when is he going to finish cutting bait, and get started with the fishing?
The last time I asked this legitimate question, you yourself suggested he would announce in a couple weeks.
That was three weeks ago.
What’s up with that? I’d really like to believe that Fred is the conservative’s conservative, but I’m starting to wonder if those who suggest he has something to hide and can’t stand up to intense scrutiny might just be right.
“Yep. Rudy McRomneyson versus Hunter. Its down to two.”
Sensing the inevitability or didja forget the sarcasm tag?
Or let a milquetoast like Thompson run the show.
...no, honestly, I don’t think they are. But don’t take my word for it, just wait for the late night shows...
Right. You’d like to believe, but your first comment belies that statement. How hypocritical.
He stated that they need more time. I’m fine with that.
Why is that hypocritical? Explain, please.
And... how much more time? Or have you given up too, and gotten out of the prognostication business?
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